Surge in number of breathing distress patients as mercury soars
Times of India | 14 April 2025
123 Kolkata: The rising intensity of heat is triggering breathing distress, a symptom not always associated with heat-induced illnesses, say doctors. However, it is one of the symptoms triggered by a sudden spike in body temperature, which could even be fatal, they warned. While fever, dizziness, nausea, sweating, vomiting, fatigue, and fainting are the most common during sizzling summer periods like the current one, breathing distress is rarer but could be triggered by prolonged exposure to heat. Physicians warned that many experienced it so far, even though humidity is yet to reach stifling levels.
From last Monday to Thursday, 35 such cases were reported at the OPD and emergency of BP Poddar Hospital, with nine requiring admission. "We saw a spurt in patients with symptoms of heat exhaustion and breathlessness, particularly elderly individuals and a few schoolchildren. Temperature fluctuations are also triggering cough, cold, and similar flu-like symptoms in such susceptible individuals. Most of them were elderly. For prompt response, we introduced a dedicated Summer Clinic in our OPD and designated a bed in our emergency unit specifically for severe heat-related cases," said Supriyo Chakraborty, group advisor, BP Poddar.
Dry heat like the existing spell could trigger fluid loss without one realising it, warned doctors. It is, therefore, important to keep drinking water even when one is not feeling thirsty, said Manipal Hospital infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. "Drinking ORS or water at regular intervals keeps one hydrated. Dehydration leads to uneasiness and breathlessness, which are common among a section of patients. Some also complained of claustrophobia along with breathlessness. These are signs of heat exhaustion, which will now be on the rise," said Chakrabarty. He added that other than drinking water, it's important to keep one covered while going out into the sun. "Fluid loss is hastened if the skin is exposed to the heat. Since it's relatively dry now, it is difficult to gauge fluid loss since sweating is also restricted. This could lead to a heat stroke if measures are not taken," said Chakrabarty. He added that those with a history of lung diseases should guard against exposure to the sun.
At Charnock Hospital, for instance, several patients were treated for heat exhaustion and breathlessness over the last week. Symptoms included headache, chest discomfort, drowsiness, and loss of breath, according to Charnock Hospital internal medicine consultant Subhayan Bhattacharya. "Most of these patients need immediate primary management in emergency. Heat leads to dehydration that impacts all body organs to an extent. So, other than dizziness and nausea, breathlessness is also a common symptom and often the first one. We received a few patients who suffered a sudden blood pressure drop and shortness of breath after exposure to heat. Very few require admission, though, barring those at the extremes of age – children and the elderly. This category of patients needs to be observed and treated till severe symptoms recede," added Bhattacharya.
Desun Hospital has been receiving patients suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration, and breathlessness due to rising temperatures, said doctors at the hospital. The heat, with loo-like dry air, is particularly affecting the elderly, children, and individuals with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions, according to Amitabha Saha, director, critical care at Desun. "Even though we haven't come across a case of heat stroke yet, over the last two weeks, we observed a rise in patients with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath due to prolonged heat exposure. In the last two days, since the temperature dipped slightly, cases have gone down. We urge everyone to stay well-hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and not ignore any signs of discomfort or breathlessness."
Heat exhaustion and breathlessness are serious health concerns during intense summer heat, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers, said Rajdip Sen, consultant physician of BP Poddar Hospital. "Those working outside face direct exposure to extreme temperatures and pollution, leading to dehydration, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Indoor office workers, too, are at risk since long hours in air-conditioned environments with limited movement and poor air circulation can trigger respiratory issues."
Kolkata: The rising intensity of heat is triggering breathing distress, a symptom not always associated with heat-induced illnesses, say doctors. However, it is one of the symptoms triggered by a sudden spike in body temperature, which could even be fatal, they warned. While fever, dizziness, nausea, sweating, vomiting, fatigue, and fainting are the most common during sizzling summer periods like the current one, breathing distress is rarer but could be triggered by prolonged exposure to heat. Physicians warned that many experienced it so far, even though humidity is yet to reach stifling levels.
From last Monday to Thursday, 35 such cases were reported at the OPD and emergency of BP Poddar Hospital, with nine requiring admission. "We saw a spurt in patients with symptoms of heat exhaustion and breathlessness, particularly elderly individuals and a few schoolchildren. Temperature fluctuations are also triggering cough, cold, and similar flu-like symptoms in such susceptible individuals. Most of them were elderly. For prompt response, we introduced a dedicated Summer Clinic in our OPD and designated a bed in our emergency unit specifically for severe heat-related cases," said Supriyo Chakraborty, group advisor, BP Poddar.
Dry heat like the existing spell could trigger fluid loss without one realising it, warned doctors. It is, therefore, important to keep drinking water even when one is not feeling thirsty, said Manipal Hospital infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty. "Drinking ORS or water at regular intervals keeps one hydrated. Dehydration leads to uneasiness and breathlessness, which are common among a section of patients. Some also complained of claustrophobia along with breathlessness. These are signs of heat exhaustion, which will now be on the rise," said Chakrabarty. He added that other than drinking water, it's important to keep one covered while going out into the sun. "Fluid loss is hastened if the skin is exposed to the heat. Since it's relatively dry now, it is difficult to gauge fluid loss since sweating is also restricted. This could lead to a heat stroke if measures are not taken," said Chakrabarty. He added that those with a history of lung diseases should guard against exposure to the sun.
At Charnock Hospital, for instance, several patients were treated for heat exhaustion and breathlessness over the last week. Symptoms included headache, chest discomfort, drowsiness, and loss of breath, according to Charnock Hospital internal medicine consultant Subhayan Bhattacharya. "Most of these patients need immediate primary management in emergency. Heat leads to dehydration that impacts all body organs to an extent. So, other than dizziness and nausea, breathlessness is also a common symptom and often the first one. We received a few patients who suffered a sudden blood pressure drop and shortness of breath after exposure to heat. Very few require admission, though, barring those at the extremes of age – children and the elderly. This category of patients needs to be observed and treated till severe symptoms recede," added Bhattacharya.
Desun Hospital has been receiving patients suffering from heat exhaustion, dehydration, and breathlessness due to rising temperatures, said doctors at the hospital. The heat, with loo-like dry air, is particularly affecting the elderly, children, and individuals with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions, according to Amitabha Saha, director, critical care at Desun. "Even though we haven't come across a case of heat stroke yet, over the last two weeks, we observed a rise in patients with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath due to prolonged heat exposure. In the last two days, since the temperature dipped slightly, cases have gone down. We urge everyone to stay well-hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and not ignore any signs of discomfort or breathlessness."
Heat exhaustion and breathlessness are serious health concerns during intense summer heat, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers, said Rajdip Sen, consultant physician of BP Poddar Hospital. "Those working outside face direct exposure to extreme temperatures and pollution, leading to dehydration, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Indoor office workers, too, are at risk since long hours in air-conditioned environments with limited movement and poor air circulation can trigger respiratory issues."